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Dactylogyrus is one of the most serious parasites in aquaculture, resulting in devastating disease for severe economic impacts. In order to further increase the anthelmintic activity of coumarins, statistically valid three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models was conducted by comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) to obtain better novel and promising anthelmintic coumarins within a total of 52 compounds in this study. By served C24 and C41 as template molecules, the steric and electrostatic fields of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) showed a good correlation and predictive power, which was verified the model reliable. Based on the models, eight newly coumarin derivatives Q1 - Q8 were designed and synthesized, and Q1 , Q2 , Q6 and Q7 showed better antiparasitic activities (the EC 50 values ranged from 0.18 to 0.26 mg/L) than that of coumarin C24 and C41 (the EC 50 values of 0.85 and 0.80 mg/L). By comparing the therapeutic index (TI), the order is the potency of Q4 > Q5 > Q7 > mebendazole > Q2 > Q6 > praziquantel > Q1 > Q3 , which suggests that Q4 should be a viable way for controlling Dactylogyrus infection. Meanwhile, Q4 with a high stability in aquacultural water in immersion suppressed horizontal transmission of Dactylogyrus. These results will be contributed to further improve drug potency on aquacultural parasite control. • 3D-QSAR models was conducted to obtain better novel and promising anthelmintic coumarins. • Four coumarins from the model exhibited excellent antiparasitic activity against Dactylogyrus infection. • Coumarin Q4 suppressed horizontal transmission of Dactylogyrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely acknowledged that the malformed fish shows low resistance to diseases due to abnormal development of body, leading to the decrease of viability. Until now, there is no evidence for the relationship between developmental abnormalities and pathogen infections in fish breeding. In this study, the first record of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection in Micropterus salmoides was reported. Importantly, an interesting phenomenon that malformed fish suffered from more serious Ichthyophthiriasis than normal fish was demonstrated with the investigation of differences in the infection rate and the number of trophonts. Furthermore, the immune response, histopathological examination, and efficacy of antiparasitic drug against I. multifiliis infection were determined in normal and malformed fish. The fish affected by malformation resulted in decline of survival rate after infection with I. multifiliis at day 2 in comparison to the fish with normal development (p < 0.001). Malformation also caused significantly low expression of immune-related genes, including immunoglobulin (IgM), T cell receptor (TCR), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-1β), cell mediated-immunity mediators (MHC-I), chemokine (CCL2), complement (C5), cluster of differentiation (CD4–1 and CD8-α), in skin, liver and spleen (p < 0.05). Also, histopathological examination showed distinct lesions in skin, gills, and fins of malformed fish. In addition, the survival rate of normal fish was significantly elevated after treatment with magnolol, an anti-parasitic drug, for 7 days compared to malformed fish (p < 0.001). Overall, these data indicate that weak immune response and more tissue damage in malformed fish might increase the susceptibility to pathogens, and the high mortality rate was associated with poor efficacy of magnolol in malformed fish. This study provides evidence for low resistance to pathogens and high mortality rate of fry caused by high malformation rate. Particularly, the malformed fish may act as a source of infection, spreading infectious disease for other healthy fish, causing mass economic losses for M. salmoides industry. Malformation is worth to pay more attention for fish breeding studies. • This is the first record of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection in Micropterus salmoides. • Malformed fish suffered from more serious Ichthyophthiriasis than normal fish. • Weak immune response and more tissue damage in malformed fish might increase the susceptibility to pathogens. • The high mortality rate was associated with poor efficacy of anti-parasitic compound in malformed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dactylogyrus is one of the most serious parasites in aquaculture, resulting in devastating disease for severe economic impacts. In order to further increase the anthelmintic activity of coumarins, statistically valid three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models was conducted by comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) to obtain better novel and promising anthelmintic coumarins within a total of 52 compounds in this study. By served C24 and C41 as template molecules, the steric and electrostatic fields of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) showed a good correlation and predictive power, which was verified the model reliable. Based on the models, eight newly coumarin derivatives Q1 - Q8 were designed and synthesized, and Q1 , Q2 , Q6 and Q7 showed better antiparasitic activities (the EC 50 values ranged from 0.18 to 0.26 mg/L) than that of coumarin C24 and C41 (the EC 50 values of 0.85 and 0.80 mg/L). By comparing the therapeutic index (TI), the order is the potency of Q4 > Q5 > Q7 > mebendazole > Q2 > Q6 > praziquantel > Q1 > Q3 , which suggests that Q4 should be a viable way for controlling Dactylogyrus infection. Meanwhile, Q4 with a high stability in aquacultural water in immersion suppressed horizontal transmission of Dactylogyrus. These results will be contributed to further improve drug potency on aquacultural parasite control. • 3D-QSAR models was conducted to obtain better novel and promising anthelmintic coumarins. • Four coumarins from the model exhibited excellent antiparasitic activity against Dactylogyrus infection. • Coumarin Q4 suppressed horizontal transmission of Dactylogyrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose There have been no data about long-term benzodiazepine ( BZD) use and its correlates in patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD) in China. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of long-term BZD use (more than three months) and its demographic and clinical correlates in Chinese patients with MDD. Design and Methods A total of 1,192 patients with MDD were examined in 10 mental health centers in China. Patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and prescriptions for psychotropic drugs were recorded using a standardized form. Findings A large portion of patients (36.2%) received long-term BZD treatment. Univariate analyses revealed that long-term BZD users were older, poorer, and had more impaired occupational functioning than patients not taking BZDs. Long-term BZD users had fewer psychotic symptoms and took less antipsychotic drugs. In multivariate analyses, long-term BZD use was independently associated with older age and more severe impaired occupational functioning; long-term BZD users were less likely to receive antipsychotic medications and traditional antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressant, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Practice Implications Long-term BZD use was common in patients with MDD in China. A host of demographic and clinical factors were independently associated with long-term BZD use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study isolated 224 bacteria from the intestine of Apostichopus japonicus, then selected and identified three of the bacteria (HS1, HS7, and HS10) which demonstrated amylase, lipase, and protease production capacity as candidate probiotics for sea cucumbers. The three potential probiotics showed no pathogenicity both in hemolytic assays on sheep blood agar plates and after immersing sea cucumbers in a suspension of the bacteria. To reveal the effects of these three potential probiotics on the innate immunity of sea cucumbers, total coelomocyte counts, respiratory burst activity, superoxide dismutase activity, lysozyme activity, acid phosphatase activity, and phagocytic activity by coelomocytes were examined after feeding with four different diets for up to 28 days. Also the specific growth rate and survival rate were investigated after a 60-day feeding trial. Sea cucumbers were fed with 4 diets: one control, three diets supplemented with 1 × 109 cell g−1 of HS1, HS7, and HS10 for 28–60 days. Results showed that sea cucumbers fed diets containing HS1, HS7, and HS10 had led to an enhanced cellular and humoral immune response, notably higher total coelomocytes counts, respiratory burst activity, lysozyme activity, acid phosphatase activity, and phagocytic activity, as recorded during the four weeks of probiotics administration. On the other hand, the survival rate among dietary treatments ranged from 90.71 to 97.97% with significant improvement (P < 0.05) compared to that of the control; and the growth rate observed in the sea cucumbers fed HS1 and HS7 showed sharp increases after 60 days feeding. The present study confirmed the potential beneficial effects of Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii HS1, Shewanella japonica HS7, and Vibrio tasmaniensis HS10 as dietary probiotics in A. japonicus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of add-on artemether in first-episode, untreated people with schizophrenia, who were Toxoplasma gondii seropositive, and explore the change in T. gondii antibodies during treatment. In this eight-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 100 T. gondii seropositive participants with schizophrenia were randomized to either the artemether or placebo group. Participants in the artemether group received 80 mg artemether once per day during the second week (days 8–14) and the fourth week (days 22–28). Participants in the placebo group received identical looking placebo capsules. Psychopathology, adverse side effects and cognitive function were measured using standardized instruments. The group × time interaction effects for the scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) subscales and performances on all cognitive components were not significant, only the main effect of group was significant. Compared to the placebo group, artemether group participants showed significantly greater reduction in the PANSS negative symptom scale (F (1,46) = 4.7, p = 0.03) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (F (1,96) = 6.2, p = 0.01) scores, but there were no significant differences in the PANSS positive symptom and general psychopathology scales (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in performance on any of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) cognitive domains. The artemether–risperidone combination is safe and well tolerated, but artemether as an adjunct to risperidone does not appear to alleviate cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) TRC-13003145 [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of single or combined use of dietary Shewanella haliotis D4, Bacillus cereus D7 and Aeromonas bivalvium D15, isolated from the gut of shrimp, were assessed on the growth, innate immunity and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Shrimp was fed 28days by five experimental diets — i) control diet with no probiotics, ii) three probiotic diets, i.e. feed supplemented with 107 cellg−1 of D4 (D4 diet), D7 (D7 diet) and D15 (D15 diet), and iii) mixed diet comprising of strains D4, D7 and D15 at a ratio of 2:1:1, dosed at 107 cellg−1. Results showed that growth of shrimp, i.e. final weight, weight gain, percent weight gain and specific growth rate, was improved after 28-days of feeding regime with probiotics compared to the control. Respond of several non-specific immune parameters of groups fed probiotics was also enhanced; i.e. diet D4 and D15 led to significant enhancement of both respiratory burst and superoxide dismutase activities than that of control. Moreover, the respiratory burst activity was also enhanced by mixed diet at the end of 28days. All probiotic groups were able to increase acid phosphatase activity of shrimp between days 7 and 21. Moreover, the expression of prophenoloxidase and -1, 3-glucan-binding protein was significantly up regulated in shrimp fed D4 and D15 diets compared to control group, but penaeidin 3 expression up regulated significantly only with mixed diet after 28days. The cumulative mortality of shrimp, experimentally challenged with Vibrio harveyi, was reduced in groups fed probiotics, i.e. D4=36.67%, D7=41.67%, D15=13.33% and mixed=11.67%, respectively, than that of controls (43.33%) after 10days of post-infection. Overall, the results of this study indicated the potential of using probiotics to improve growth, immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Trifloxystrobin can inhibit the growth of Chlorella vulgaris. [•] Trifloxystrobin may influence cell membrane permeability. [•] The photosynthesis-energy-related gene expressions are changed. [•] Antioxidant enzyme activities were decreased. [•] Increase of oxidative stress in algal cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Natural plant agents are considered promising sources to control harmful algal blooms. The primary purpose of this study was to isolate the algicidal compounds from Ginkgo biloba exocarp against the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and determine the potential inhibition mechanisms. Bioassay-guided fractionation of petroleum ether extract yielded ginkgolic acids, which were identified by spectral analysis (infrared and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry). Bioassays showed ginkgolic acids inhibited M. aeruginosa growth effectively with the 3- and 7-day median effective concentration (EC, EC) of 3.26 and 2.03 mg L, respectively. For the potential inhibition mechanisms, cellular morphology, physiological changes, and genes expression during 12-96 h of exposure were investigated. Ginkgolic acids caused morphologic damage or lysis of cells. They induced oxidative damage by increasing malondialdehyde content and decreasing total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities. Transcription of three photosynthetic genes ( psaB, psbD, and rbcL) and two nutrient uptake related genes ( ntcA and phoU) were also found to be inhibited. Additionally, ginkgolic acids also affected the microcystin contents and the transcription of microcystin-related genes. The results suggested that ginkgolic acids isolated from G. biloba exocarp have the potential to inhibit M. aeruginosa growth effectively by causing pleiotropic effects on several physiological and biochemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study isolated three strains of intestinal autochthonous bacteria Aeromonas veronii BA-1, Vibrio lentus BA-2, and Flavobacterium sasangense BA-3 from the intestinal tract of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). To reveal the effects of these three strains of bacteria on the innate immunity of carp, the lysozyme, complement C3, total serum protein, albumin and globulin levels, respiratory burst activity, phagocytic activity by blood leucocytes and the expression of IL-1b, lysozyme-C, and TNF-α were examined after feeding with seven different diets for up to 28 days. Also the survival of carp against Aeromonas hydrophila was challenged for 14 days. The carp were fed seven different diets: one control, three diets supplemented with 1 × 108 cell g−1 of carp intestinal bacteria BA-1 (Group D-I), BA-2 (Group D-II) and BA-3 (Group D-III), and three diets supplemented with extracellular products FA-1 (Group E-I), FA-2 (Group E-II) and FA-3 (Group E-III) which were corresponding to the strains BA-1, BA-2, and BA-3, respectively, up to 28 days. For groups D-I, D-III, E-I and E-III, the innate immune parameters of carp were significantly increased, the expression of three immune-related genes in blood was significantly up-regulated examined during 7, 14, and 21 days of feeding, and the survival rate was improved. The study indicates that the two isolated intestinal autochthonous bacteria A. veronii BA-1 and F. sasangense BA-3 could positively influence immune response and enhance disease resistance of carp against A. hydrophila infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many population-based rare-variant (RV) association tests, which aggregate variants across a region, have been developed to analyze sequence data. A drawback of analyzing population-based data is that it is difficult to adequately control for population substructure and admixture, and spurious associations can occur. For RVs, this problem can be substantial, because the spectrum of rare variation can differ greatly between populations. A solution is to analyze parent-child trio data, by using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), which is robust to population substructure and admixture. We extended the TDT to test for RV associations using four commonly used methods. We demonstrate that for all RV-TDT methods, using proper analysis strategies, type I error is well-controlled even when there are high levels of population substructure or admixture. For trio data, unlike for population-based data, RV allele-counting association methods will lead to inflated type I errors. However type I errors can be properly controlled by obtaining p values empirically through haplotype permutation. The power of the RV-TDT methods was evaluated and compared to the analysis of case-control data with a number of genetic and disease models. The RV-TDT was also used to analyze exome data from 199 Simons Simplex Collection autism trios and an association was observed with variants in ABCA7. Given the problem of adequately controlling for population substructure and admixture in RV association studies and the growing number of sequence-based trio studies, the RV-TDT is extremely beneficial to elucidate the involvement of RVs in the etiology of complex traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-dehydrogenative-coupling reaction has long been recognized as a powerful tool to form a C–C bond directly from two different C–H bonds. Most current processes are performed by making use of stoichiometric amounts of oxidizing agents. We describe here a new type of reaction, namely cross-coupling hydrogen evolution (CCHE), with no use of any sacrificial oxidants, and only hydrogen (H2) is generated as a side product. By combining eosin Y and a graphene-supported RuO2 nanocomposite (G-RuO2) as a photosensitizer and a catalyst, the desired cross-coupling products and H2 are achieved in quantitative yields under visible light irradiation at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of finding natural anthelmintic agents against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) in goldfish ( Carassius auratus), 26 plants were screened for antiparasitic properties using in vivo anthelmintic efficacy assay. The results showed that Caesalpinia sappan, Lysima chiachristinae, Cuscuta chinensis, Artemisia argyi, and Eupatorium fortunei were found to have 100 % anthelmintic efficacy at 125, 150, 225, 300, and 500 mg L −1 after 48 h of exposure. Crude extract of the five plants were further partitioned with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water to obtain anthelmintically active fractions with various polarity. Among these fractions tested, the ethyl acetate extract of L. chiachristinae was found to be the most effective with a 50 % effective concentration (EC 50) value of 5.1 mg/L after 48 h of exposure. This was followed by ethyl acetate extract of C. chinensis (48 h-EC 50 = 8.5 mg L −1), chloroform extracts of C. sappan (48 h-EC 50 = 15.6 mg L −1), methanol extract of C. chinensis (48 h-EC 50 = 15.9 mg L −1), and chloroform and petroleum ether extract of L. chiachristinae (EC 50 values of 17.2 and 21.1 mg/L, respectively), suggesting that these plants, as well as the active fractions, provide potential sources of botanic drugs for the control of D. intermedius in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to assess the anthelmintic property of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds extracted and isolated from Dryopteris crassirhizoma against Dactylogyrus intermedius in goldfish. The active ethyl acetate extract was loaded on an open silica gel column and eluted with chloroform–methanol. According to 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C-NMR, and mass spectral data, the structures of three purified compounds were identified as protocatechuic acid, sutchuenoside A, and kaempferitrin. Among these compounds, sutchuenoside A and kaempferitrin were observed to be effective with median effective concentration (EC 50) of 3.01 and 2.71 mg L −1, respectively. The alterations in the tegument of the parasites treated with isolated compound were examined using scanning electron microscopes. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed shrinkage of body surface, dense tegumental folds, and disheveled protuberances. The structural deformities in the treated parasites were indicative of an efficient anthelmintic activity of the isolated compound kaempferitrin. In addition, the 48-h median lethal concentration for sutchuenoside A and kaempferitrin against goldfish were 12.03- and 11.98-fold higher than corresponding EC 50. The present results showed that ethyl acetate extract of D. crassirhizoma may be considered as a potent source, and sutchuenoside A and kaempferitrin as new natural parasitic agents against D. intermedius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient oxidative coupling protocol for amide formation has been developed. Various tertiary amines and aromatic aldehydes were oxidized to their corresponding tertiary amides in moderate to good yields in the presence of a simple nBu4NI-catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] New methods for the controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms are urgent. [•] A new algicidal compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bung was isolated and identified. [•] Neo-przewaquinone A destroyed the M. aeruginosa cell structure. [•] Neo-przewaquinone A induced oxidative damage of M. aeruginosa. [•] Neo-przewaquinone A reduced expression of the photosynthesis-related genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Praziquantel and sanguinarine have been demonstrated positive therapeutic effects on monogenean Dactylogyrus intermedius; however, few studies have considered the post impacts of these antiparasitic chemicals on host after repelling the parasites. The changes of expression of selected immune genes (CCL-1, CXCL-8, IL-1β-1, IL-1β-2, TNFα-1, TNFα-2 and TGF-β) in gill, kidney and spleen and bacterial loads of Aeromonas hydrophila in gill, kidney, spleen and liver following bath administration of these antiparasitic chemicals were evaluated. The results showed that praziquantel and sanguinarine up-regulated to varying degrees of CXCL-8, IL-1β-1, IL-1β-2, TNFα-1 and TNFα-2 in gill, kidney and spleen. They both decreased the CCL-1 expression in gill while increased it in kidney and spleen. However, in all the tested tissues, the expression of TGF-β decreased in praziquantel treated goldfish whereas that increased in sanguinarine treated goldfish. The A. hydrophila challenge test showed that the praziquantel treatment enhanced the susceptibility to A. hydrophila while sanguinarine treatment decreased the susceptibility, as compared with the non-treated group. Overall, the results indicate that bath administration of praziquantel and sanguinarine modulates the immune related genes in goldfish and these may, to some extent, affect their ability to resist bacterial pathogens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To study the CT and MR features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC). Materials and methods: 49 patients had pathologically confirmed XGC. All patients underwent contrast enhanced CT, and 10 patients had additional plain MRI. The CT and MRI results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: On CT, all patients had thickening of gallbladder wall, with 87.8% cases showed diffuse thickening. 85.7% cases had intramural hypo-attenuated nodules in the thickened wall. Continuous mucosal line and luminal surface enhancement were noted in 79.6% and 85.7% cases, respectively. Gallbladder stones were seen in 69.4% patients. The coexistence of the above 5 CT features was seen in 40% cases, and 80% cases had the coexistence of ≥4 features. Diffused gallbladder wall thickening in XGC is more likely to have disrupted mucosal line, and XGC with disrupted mucosal line is more likely to be associated with liver infiltration. In 60% patients the inflammatory process extended beyond gallbladder, with the interface between gallbladder and liver and/or the surrounding fat blurred. 40% cases had an early enhancement of liver parenchyma. Infiltration to other surrounding tissues included bowel (n =3), stomach (n =2), and abdominal wall (n =1). On MR images, 7 of 9 intramural nodules in 7 subjects with T1-weighted dual echo MR images showed higher signal intensity on in-phase images than out-of-phase images. Conclusion: Coexisting of diffuse gallbladder wall thickening, hypo-attenuated intramural nodules, continuous mucosal line, luminal surface enhancement, and gallbladder stone highly suggest XGC. XGC frequently infiltrate liver and surrounding fat. Chemical-shift MRI helps classifying intramural nodules in the gallbladder wall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV), an important aquatic rhabdoviruses, causing devastating mortality in various carp species and other cultivated fish. In our previous studies, 4′-(8-Imidazole-octyloxy)-arctigenin (6A) with an eight carbon atoms of linker showed the higher activity against SVCV in EPC cells, based on the structure-activity relationship of 35 arctigenin derivatives. In this study, the antiviral activity and mechanism of 6A was further investigated both in vivo and in vitro. An analysis of survival curve of zebrafish indicated that 6A-treated group increased the survival rate by 23.4% and 20.0% following with 100 and 103 TCID 50 doses of SVCV, respectively. Besides, 6A inhibited the gene expression of SVCV nucleoprotein and glycoprotein in brain, spleen, and liver at 4 and 7 d post-infection (dpi) by over 90% and 60%, respectively. Consistent with above results, there were no apparent signs of infection and inflammation in the brain, spleen and liver of the 6A-treated fish. However, we unexpectedly found an inability on 6A-treated zebrafish and EPC cells to mount a strong IFNф1 response to SVCV, which indicated that 6A inhibited SVCV replication not via the activation of IFNф1-related genes. Moreover, pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment of 6A with SVCV, 6A was observed to possess an intense antiviral response in the early stage of viral infection. Altogether, 6A was expected to be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of SVCV in aquaculture. • 6A treatment could raise the survival rate of zebrafish infected with SVCV. • 6A inhibited SVCV replication not by the upregulation of fish IFNф1 production. • 6A had an intense antiviral response in the early stage of SVCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV), a highly pathogenic fish rhabdovirus, caused an acute hemorrhagic and highly contagious disease in cyprinids. In this study, a new strain of SVCV was isolated from diseased zebrafish in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China, and named SVCV-CG01. Tissue filtrates of diseased fish were detected by Nest PCR using the specific 714 bp and 606 bp fragments from the glycoprotein gene of SVCV. The genes encoding for the N, P, M and G protein were amplified, and the fragments were inserted into pMD-19T vectors to determine the genome of SVCV. Based on phylogenetic analysis of G protein gene, the isolated virus was classified into the Ia genogroup. The titer of the new strain at 48 h and 72 h was approximately 108 and 109 times higher than that of the 0504 strain, respectively. The virus could produce typical cytopathic effects (CPE) and induce apoptosis in EPC cells at 48 and 72 h post infection (hpi). Healthy zebrafish were injected with different doses of SVCV and mass mortality of fish was detected after 4 d infection, with a cumulative death rate of 100% from 107 TCID 50 group at 7 d post infection (dpi). Using cultured mammalian 293T cells, an average transfection efficiency of the four structural proteins was 49.1% and 69.6% at 24 and 48 h post transfection (hpt), respectively. This study could be served as a reference for the research on the molecular epidemiology, evolution and pathogenicity of fish viruses. • A novel highly virulent SVCV was isolated and identified from diseased zebrafish. • The high pathogenicity of SVCV (CG-01) was observed in vitro and in vivo. • The structural proteins of CG-01 strain could be highly expressed in 293T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most infectious agents affect or start from a mucosal surface, therefore mucosal immunization would be expected to be a promising method to efficiently induce local and systemic immunity against these infections. Since fish gill is a mucosal surface containing organized lymphoid structure, which is considered as a potential site for vaccination. Herein, we designed a novel biomimetic nanovaccine by encapsulating poly(D, l -lactide- co -glycolide)-based DNA vaccine with teleost erythrocytes membrane modified by mannose. Since all the materials used for the construction of PG@EM-M nanovaccine are fully biocompatible, PG@EM-M shown good biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. Zebrafish, a model organism, were immunized with PG@EM-M nanovaccine via branchial route to evaluate the local and systemic immunity. As an environmentally and economically important rhabdovirus, spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) was used as a model for virus challenge. Three SVCV challenge tests were carried out in zebrafish on 7th, 28th, and 70th day post vaccination, respectively. PG@EM-M vaccinated fish shown highest survival rate of ca.48%, ca.81%, and ca.62% on 7th, 28th, and 70th day post vaccination, respectively. In addition, the viral loads were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in gill and spleen tissues after PG@EM-M vaccination, respectively. Owing to the specific interaction between mannose moiety with antigen presenting cells (APCs), as expected, PG@EM-M shown significantly enhanced of cellular uptake by APCs compared to PG@EM (without mannose modification). Interestingly, we found strong retention ability of PG@EM-M in the local immunization site (gill), and its migration to systemic immune tissues (spleen). Notably, this study demonstrated that PG@EM-M could induce robust mucosal and systemic immune response in vaccinated fish via the branchial route. This work presents a novel design of erythrocytes-mimic nanoparticles for mucosal immunization, which would be expected to increase the efficacy and improve the design of mucosal vaccines for aquaculture. [Display omitted] • Mannose functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles (PG@EM-M) were developed for mucosal delivery. • PG@EM-M shown good biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. • PG@EM-M could induce robust mucosal and systemic immune response via the branchial route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of Tb3+/Eu3+ doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors. • Energy transfer in Tb3+/Eu3+ doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors. • Tunable luminescence of Tb3+/Eu3+ doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors. Tb3+/Eu3+ doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. XRD patterns indicate that Tb3+/Eu3+ doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 have a single phase. TEM images indicate that the phosphors are irregular particles with the size of several nanometers. Tb3+ or Eu3+ singly doped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors show characteristic photoluminescence of Tb3+/Eu3+ ions while they are excited. And Tb3+/Eu3+ codoped Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 phosphors show tunable photoluminescence because of Tb3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer. The light can move from green region to yellowish-red region via yellow region by changing Eu3+ concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RGFP966 can improve depressive-like behaviors induced by LPS. • The antidepressant effect of RGFP966 is related to the regulation of neuroinflammation. Depression is a prevalent mental disorder. However, its pathophysiological mechanism has still remained elusive, and a limited number of effective treatments have been presented. Recent studies have shown that neuroinflammation and microglial activation are involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has neurotoxic effects on several neuropathological conditions. The inhibition of HDAC3 has been reported to induce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. RGFP966 is a highly selective inhibitor of HDAC3. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of RGFP966 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice and to explore its possible mechanism. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were utilized in this study. The LPS and RGFP966 were injected intraperitoneally daily for 5 days. The behavior tests were performed to elucidate the depression-like behaviors. Western blot, ELISA and immunofluorescence staining were used to study the HDAC3/TLR4/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. The results of behavioral tests showed that RGFP966 could improve the LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. The results of Western blotting showed that RGFP966 treatment downregulated the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results of immunofluorescence staining showed that RGFP966 treatment inhibited microglial activation in the hippocampus of mice (P < 0.01). These findings suggested that RGFP966 could effectively ameliorate LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation and microglial activation. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of RGFP966 might be related to the inhibition of the HDAC3/TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Therefore, inhibition of HDAC3 using RGFP966 could serve as a potential treatment strategy for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the law that governs the complex movements of the mechanism in the process of automatic weapon operation, the velocity tracking test technology of photon Doppler velocimetry is introduced to accurately measure velocity, displacement and acceleration, on the condition that there are long displacement and rapid velocity change. In the traditional way, out of interference signal time-frequency (TF) transformation draws TF distribution, and then by modulus maxima frequency extraction, comes to the law of velocity change. Due to the influence resulting from the change of fundamental signal as well as that of light intensity signal in the test, based on the TF distribution obtained by TF transformation, the traditional modulus maxima frequency extraction can extract frequency signals, but they show abnormal sudden changes at some moments, making the velocity discontinuous, unsmooth and unreal, which brings obvious errors to the subsequent calculation of acceleration and accurate displacement. Addressing the above-mentioned problems, this paper proposes a ridge extracting correction algorithm based on modulus maxima frequency extraction; this method, based on a large number of experiments where rodless cylinders are used to simulate the motion of a gun automatic mechanism, conducts a detailed calculation and analysis of the experimental results. A comparison of the two algorithms' processing results, in terms of the speed, displacement and acceleration, suggests that the ridge extracting correction algorithm successfully corrects the frequency selection error, which draws a more continuous and, therefore, effective curve of the velocity change, and by so doing, the error of the displacement test (within 1.36 m displacement) is reduced from more than 3.6% to less than 0.58%, and the uncertainty dropped 97.07%. All these show that the accurate measurement of velocity, displacement and acceleration, with sudden and rapid velocity changes considered, is realized successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a fatal pathogen threatening global crustacean industry with no commercially available drugs to control WSSV. To address the urgent need for finding effective antiviral agents against WSSV, we examined the anti-WSSV activities of 11 common antiviral agents in crayfish Procambarus clarkia. The results showed that acyclovir displayed the highest inhibition on WSSV replication in vivo (92.59%, 50 mg/kg). Acyclovir repressed WSSV proliferation followed a dose-dependent fashion and pre- or post-treatment of acyclovir exerted strong inhibition on the viral loads. Further, we observed a markedly reduced expression levels of WSSV genes (immediate-early IE gene ie1 , DNA polymerase gene DNApol and envelope protein gene Vp28) that are crucial in viral life cycle with the acyclovir treatment during the early infection. Meantime, we also found a significantly increased expressions of anti-oxidative as well as apoptosis related genes, suggesting that acyclovir could effectively suppress WSSV replication in vivo. Finally, acyclovir treatment could significantly improve the survival rate of WSSV-challenged crayfish by 56%. Taken together, acyclovir has the potential to be developed as a promising preventive or therapeutic agent against WSSV infection, and this finding may provide a reference for rapid discovery anti-WSSV agent in crustacean aquaculture. We identified acyclovir suppressed WSSV replication in vivo. Acyclovir inhibited WSSV genome DNA synthesis and whole expression of viral genes. Acyclovir enhanced the antioxidant and apoptosis activities during the early infectious process. Acyclovir provided effective protection to WSSV-challenged crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title reaction avoids the use of toxic catalysts and complies with green chemistry principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diagram is presented which explains the diverse synthesis of substituted aminobenzothiazoles, aminobenzimidazoles, and aminobenzoxazoles.

Four alkaloids (Sanguinarine, 6-Methoxyl-dihydro-chelerythrine, Cryptopine and β-Allocryptopine) were isolated from aerial parts of Macleaya microcarpa (Maxim) Fedde using bioassay-guided isolation method, and the inhibitory activity of ethanolic extract, various fractions and these four alkaloids against four fish pathogenic bacteria ( Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio harveyi) was assessed in vitro using the agar dilution method and the microdilution assay method respectively. A. hydrophila was the most sensitive strain to all the tested compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration ( MIC) values were lower for sanguinarine against all tested Gram-negative strains than other three alkaloids, with MIC values of 12.5 mg L−1 for A. hydrophila and 50 mg L−1 to other pathogenic bacteria. Followed by 6-methoxyl-dihydro-chelerythrine, which showed considerable antibacterial activity with MIC values of 80 mg L−1 for A. hydrophila, 100 mg L−1 for V. harveyi, and 125 mg L−1 for both V. anguillarum and A. salmonicida. Cryptopine and β-allocryptopine revealed similar inhibitory activity with MIC values of 100 mg L−1 for A. hydrophila and 200 mg L−1 for other three bacterial species. These finding provided evidence that extract, as well as isolated compounds from M. microcarpa might be potential sources novel antibacterial agents for the treatment of fish infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of dietary administration of two probiotics, Shewanella colwelliana WA64 and Shewanella olleyana WA65, on the innate immunity of abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino), and survival of juvenile abalone challenged with Vibrio harveyi have been studied. Two groups of abalone were fed with three different diets: one control, and two diets supplemented with 109 cell g−1 of probiotic WA64 (WA64 diet) and WA65 (WA65 diet) for up to four weeks. Results showed that abalone fed diets containing S. colwelliana WA64 and S. olleyana WA65 had led to an enhanced cellular and humoral immune response, notably higher haemocytes, respiratory burst activity, serum lysozyme activity and total protein levels were recorded after one week of probiotic administration. On the other hand, mortality after the challenges with V. harveyi in the group fed with control diet ranged from 77 to 80%, while mortality rates observed in the groups fed with diets supplemented with WA64 and WA65 ranged from 27 to 50% and 30–43%, respectively. The results demonstrated potential for S. colwelliana WA64 and S. olleyana WA65 to improve innate immunity and disease resistance in H. discus hannai. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] WPU emulsions as surface sizing agents are synthesized with TDI and IPDI. [•] Particle size increases as the NCO/OH and TDI/IPDI molar ratio increase. [•] Viscosity increases as the NCO/OH molar ratio and DMPA content increase. [•] Water resistance increases as the NCO/OH and TDI/IPDI molar ratio increase. [•] The sized papers have much better mechanical properties than the unsized ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We compare the effects of fluorene–ethylene (FE) spacers on the photo-physical properties of fluorenone-based conjugated oligomers. The introduction of FE spacer could modulate the steady-state spectra and weaken the difference between donor-dependent spectral features. Meanwhile, the quantum chemical calculations exhibit that the electron transition mechanism modulated by FE unit is variable with the donor of oligomers. The FE π-spacer mainly rises the HOMO and facilitates the electron delocalization in the fluorene end-capped oligomer, while it lowers the LUMO and enhances the donor effect in the triphenylamine end-capped one. The time-resolved fluorescence measurement exhibits that the difference between donor-dependent excited state lifetimes of oligomers becomes less obvious after the introduction of FE units. Moreover, the nonlinear optical measurements show that the FE spacer is able to improve the two-photon fluorescence efficiency and enhance the two-photon absorption cross-section of oligomers simultaneously, but the difference in two-photon characteristics between oligomers with different donors is also decreased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We demonstrate theoretically that photoassociated molecules can be stabilized to deeply bound states. This process is achieved by transferring the population from the outer well to the inner well using the optimal control theory, the Cs2 molecule is taken as an example. Numerical calculations show that weakly bound molecules formed in the outer well by a pump pulse can be compressed to the inner well via a vibrational level of the ground electronic state as an intermediary by an additionally optimized laser pulse. The positively chirped pulse can enhance the population of the target state. With a transform-limited dump pulse, nearly all the photoassociated molecules in the inner well of the excited electronic state can be transferred to the deeply vibrational level of the ground electronic state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental and theoretical studies on the donor-dependent optical characteristics of two D–π–A–π–D type linear fluorenone-based conjugated oligomers are presented, where fluorene and triphenylamine act as the donors, respectively. Because of the strong electron-donating ability, the triphenylamine chromophores lead to red-shifts of spectral features, shorten the excited state lifetime, and enhance the two-photon fluorescence efficiency and two-photon absorption cross-section in comparison with fluorene groups. Quantum chemical calculations provide complementary information regarding the molecular structures and the frontier orbitals, which can provide a deep insight into the electronic structure and properties of oligomers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dactylogyrus intermedius, an oviparous monogenean parasite, is regarded as a devastating pathogen in freshwater aquaculture and ornamental fish trade, and accounts for significant economic losses worldwide. The study was undertaken to determine the differential expression of immune-related genes TNFα1, TNFα2, IL-1β2, TGFβ, iNOSa and iNOSb in goldfish gills during D. intermedius infection by real-time quantitative PCR. The results show that the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β2, TNFα1 and TNFα2) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (TGFβ) were up-regulated at day 7 p.i. (post infection). The mRNA levels of these cytokines returned to normal levels or were down-regulated at day 21 p.i. In the cases of iNOSa and iNOSb, a significant up-regulation in iNOSa transcription levels were seen at day 14 p.i. while the expression of iNOSb gene showed a distinct up-regulation at day 7 p.i. Additionally, this study was conducted to investigate the expression of immune-related genes in different degrees of goldfish experimentally infected with the monogenean D. intermedius. The results indicated that D. intermedius infection might regulate the fish immunity by showing differential expression levels of immune-related gene. The study confirms goldfish gill acts as an important source of inflammatory molecules, as well as an active modulator of local inflammation after initially infected with D. intermedius. Moreover, the results obtained in this study could be useful towards understanding the susceptibility of goldfish to D. intermedius and mechanisms involved in protection of goldfish to ectoparasitic infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ichthyophthiriasis is a widespread disease in aquaculture and causes mass mortalities of fish. The development of new antiprotozoal agents for the treatment of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infections is of increasing interest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of 30 medicinal plants against I. multifiliis. The results showed that the methanol extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Sophora alopecuroides displayed the highest antiprotozoal activity against theronts, with 4-h LC values estimated to be 2.45 and 3.43 mg L, respectively. Concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg L of M. officinalis extracts resulted in tomont mortality of 9.7, 43.7, 91.3, and 100 % at 20 h, respectively. From 40 to 320 mg L of S. alopecuroides extracts, tomont mortality increased from 29.7 to 100 %. Antiprotozoal efficacy against settled tomonts (2 and 10 h) was also applied; the results indicated that encysted I. multifiliis tomonts were less susceptible to these plant extract treatments. In vivo experiments demonstrated that high concentrations of M. officinalis and S. alopecuroides extracts could kill tomonts, and M. officinalis significantly reduced its reproduction ( P < 0.05). These results suggested that the methanol extracts of M. officinalis and S. alopecuroides have the potential to be used as an eco-friendly approach for the control of I. multifiliis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an important fish ectoparasite that often results in significant economic losses to freshwater aquaculture. The search of alternative substances to control infections of I. multifiliis became stringent after malachite green, an effective and widely used chemotherapeutant, is banned on fish farms because of its carcinogenicity and teratogenicity. In this study, the effects of the aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens, which is readily available and affordable, were evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The results in the in vitro conditions showed that the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens with the ratios ( V/ V- V, the volume of stock solution; V, the volume of total solution) of 1:32 and 1:64 led to more than 70 % mortality of I. multifiliis theronts during 4 h of exposure and significantly reduced the survival of the tomonts and the total number of theronts released by the tomonts within 22 h ( P < 0.05). A 96-h bioassay was carried out to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of C. frutescens to goldfish. No visible effect was observed in the treatments with the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens with the ratios ( V/ V) of 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128, while in the other treatments, the erratic behaviour of fish was noted. In addition, in vitro tests demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. frutescens had an adverse effect on I. multifiliis trophonts in situ. Fish treated with the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens in ratios V/ V of 1:32 and 1:64 carried significantly fewer parasites than the control and the other treatments ( P < 0.05). These results suggest, therefore, that aqueous extracts of C. frutescens have potential for the control of ichthyophthiriasis in the aquaculture industry, though further phytochemical studies will need to be performed for isolation and identification of the active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In an attempt to develop novel anthelmintic agents, our previously isolated osthol was used as lead structures for further optimization. In our research, a series of coumarin analogs, prepared from 7-hydroxy coumarin or 7-hydroxy-4-methyl coumarin, have been evaluated for their anthelmintic activities. In all of the compounds, 6 and 7 were first synthesized, and their structures were identified based on NMR and MS values. Among the candidates, 8-allyl-7-allyloxycoumarin showed better anthelmintic activity than other compounds against Dactylogyrus infestation with EC50 value of 1.81 mg/L. The quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) of 16 osthol analogs with anthelmintic activity expressed as pEC50 and toxicity to goldfish expressed pLC50, such results can offer useful theoretical references for future experimental works. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In search of a botanical algicide, 40 traditional medicinal plants were screened for antialgal activity against the bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa using coexistence culture system assay. The results of the coexistence assay showed that significant inhibition of the algae at 800 mg L were observed for methanolic extracts of the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii (Rhizoma Acori), rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum (Rhizoma Polygoni), cortex of Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri), and fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida (Fructus Crataegi). Methanol extract of these plants were further partitioned with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and acetone to obtain allelopathically active fractions with various polarity. Among these fractions tested, the ethyl acetate extract of S. miltiorrhiza was observed to be more efficient than the other plant extracts with the inhibitory rate (IR) of 91.3% at 800 mg L and 50% effective concentrations (EC) values 98.9 mg L after 7 days, followed by chloroform extracts of A. tatarinowii, S. miltiorrhiza, and P. cuspidatum, and the petroleum ether extracts of A. tatarinowii with EC 102.5, 111.5, 122.9, and 130.0 mg L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to isolate the active compounds responsible for the anthelmintic activity of methanol extract of Semen pharbitidis against Dactylogyrus intermedius in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The active methanol extract was fractionated on silica gel column chromatography in a bioassay-guided fractionation, eventually yielding two bioactive compounds: palmitic acid and pharnilatin A by comparing spectral data (NMR and ESI-MS) with literature values. According to in vivo anthelmintic assays, they were found to be 50% effective at the concentrations (EC50) of 5.3 and 1.4mgL−1, respectively. The promising palmitic acid and pharnilatin A from S. pharbitidis were also subjected to acute toxicity tests for the evaluation of their safety to the host (goldfish). After 48h exposure, the mortalities of goldfish were recorded, and the established LC50 values were 2.45- and 5.29-fold higher than the corresponding EC50, demonstrating that pharnilatins A may have better application potential than palmitic acid. The present results provide evidence that pharnilatins A might be potential source of new anti-parasitic drug for the control of Dactylogyrus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, methanol extracts of 42 traditional medicinal plants with potent anthelmintic activity against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) in goldfish ( Carassius auratus) were investigated. Cinnamomum cassia, Lindera aggregata, and Pseudolarix kaempferi exhibited 100% activity and were selected for further evaluation by applying five solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) for the extraction of the samples, followed by the in vivo bioassay. Among the extracts tested, water and methanol extracts of C. cassia showed the highest efficacies with EC values of 13.2 and 12.3 mg L, showing 100% efficacy against D. intermedius at 30.0 and 40.0 mg L, followed by methanol extract of L. aggregata which demonstrated 100% efficacy at 60.0 mg L with EC value of 17.1 mg L after 48 h of exposure. Methanol and ethyl acetate extract of P. kaempferi, which exhibited a 100% efficacy against D. intermedius at 60.0 and 50.0 mg L, revealed similar activity with EC values of 23.5 and 23.3 mg L, respectively. Acute toxicity of these active extracts was investigated on goldfish for 48 h and the corresponding median lethal concentrations (LC) of 56.9, 31.3, 88.7, 168.2, and 165.7 mg L, respectively. These findings indicated that these extracts of the three plants can be developed as preferred natural antiparasitic agents for the treatment of D. intermedius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find natural agents against Dactylogyrus intermedius in goldfish, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of three medicinal plants ( Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Kochia scoparia, and Polygala tenuifolia) were screened for antiparasitic properties using in vivo anthelmintic efficacy assay. Among these extracts investigated, methanolic extract of D. crassirhizoma was observed the most effective with EC value of 22.97 mg L after 48 h of exposure, which exhibited a 100% efficacy against D. intermedius at 60.00 mg L, followed by the methanolic extracts of K. scoparia and P. tenuifolia with EC values of 31.28 and 154.79 mg L, showing 100% efficacy against D. intermedius at 60.00 and 500.00 mg L, respectively. In addition, acute toxicity assay indicated that 48-h LC values of methanolic extracts of D. crassirhizoma, K. scoparia, and P. tenuifolia were 4.10-, 2.27-, and 5.00-fold higher than the corresponding EC. The obtained results demonstrated that methanolic extracts of D. crassirhizoma, K. scoparia, and P. tenuifolia have the potential for the development of novel therapy for the control of D. intermedius in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is one of the most pathogenic parasites of fish maintained in captivity. In this study, effects of crude extracts, fractions, and compounds from the leaves of Macleaya cordata against I. multifiliis were investigated under in vitro conditions by bioactivity-guided isolation method. The dried ethanol extract of M. cordata was extracted successively in a separating funnel with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and n-butanol. Among them, only the chloroform extract showed promising activity and therefore, was subjected to further separation and purification using various chromatographic techniques. Four compounds were isolated from chloroform extract, but only one compound showed potent activity. The structure of the active compound was elucidated as sanguinarine by hydrogen, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and electron ionization mass spectrometry. In vitro antiparasitic efficacy tests exhibited that sanguinarine was 100% effective against I. multifiliis at a concentration of 0.7 mg l, with LC and LC values of 0.437 and 0.853 mg l after 4 h of exposure. In vivo antiparasitic efficacy tests showed that the number of I. multifiliis on the gills in the treatment group (in 0.9 mg l sanguinarine) was reduced by 96.8%, in comparison to untreated group at 25°C for 48 h. Mortality of fish did not occur in the treatment group during the trail, although 40% of untreated fish died. Our results indicate that the studied plant extracts, as well as sanguinarine might be potential sources of new antiparasitic drug for the control of I. multifiliis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many systems in our life contain redundant systems. If one system collapses, its redundant system will substitute it to work for a period of time. In our paper, we have specifically studied the effects of redundant systems on controlling the disaster spreading in networks. Based on the network structure, several redundant strategies have been formulated. On the one hand, the effects of the redundant systems designed uniformly have been studied in different types of networks, the result shows that the random network has been improved the best to fight the disaster. On the other hand, the effectiveness of those redundant strategies have been discussed in the scale free network, results show that the strategy based on total degree is the most effective one to control the spreading. All results found in this paper offer promising perspectives to design redundant systems for preventing cascading failures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a principal endoplasmic reticulum resident oxidoreductase chaperone, is known to play a role in malignancies. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism by which PDI regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress and the apoptosis signaling pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the expression of PDI in CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Gain- and loss- of function assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of PDI on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis in CRC cells, as reflected by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) level and the expression of related proteins. PDI protein expression was upregulated in CRC tissues. Small molecule inhibitor of PDI or PDI knockdown reduced CRC cell viability and induced apoptosis. Overexpression of wild-type PDI augmented the viability of CRC cells and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress response and apoptosis. Small molecule inhibitor of PDI or PDI knockdown increased intracellular H 2 O 2 level and activated apoptosis signaling pathway, which could be reversed by wild-type PDI restoration. Moreover, the catalytic active site of C-terminal of PDI was found to be indispensable for the regulatory effects of PDI on H 2 O 2 levels, apoptosis and cell viability in CRC cells. Collectively, PDI inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis of CRC cells through its oxidoreductase activity, thereby promoting the malignancy of CRC. • PDI is highly expressed in CRC. • PDI inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in CRC via reducing intracellular H 2 O 2. • PDI activity negatively regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in CRC cells. • The C-terminal catalytic active site of PDI protein inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and CRC cell apoptosis. • Inhibition of PDI oxidoreductase activity may be a new method for the treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grouper is an important cultured fish in China. However, a large number of larval and juvenile groupers dead from the infection of nervous necrosis virus every year, which calls for an effective prevention and control measure. In this study, recombinant major capsid protein (MCP) of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) was produced through a prokaryotic expression vector as a subunit vaccine. We processed single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) by conc H 2 SO 4 and conc. HNO 3 to make it a carrier for the vaccine. The fish were inoculated by immersion immunization for 6 h and three concentrations included 5, 10, 20 mg/L were set. Antibody levels, immunization related enzyme activities of acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, and alkaline phosphatase in serum as well as the transcription of immune genes (IgM, Mx1, IL1-β, TNFα, CD4, CD8. MHC I, and MHC II) were tested. According to the results, the data of vaccine with the carrier had a significant increase compared with that without. After the virus challenge test, the vaccines carried by SWCNTs with concentrate of 5, 10, 20 mg/L of provided the relative survival rates of 28.57%, 50.62%, 70.76% respectively, while 16.67%, 25.93%, 33.33% were provided by the vaccines without SWCNTs. Besides, the body length and weight of a fish were measured every week, the data showed that there was no significant difference among the groups. The research showed the immersion subunit vaccine loaded by SWCNTs can protect pearl gentian grouper from NNV. • Major capsid protein (MCP) of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) induces effective immune response. • SWCNTs enhance the immunological activity by immersion. • SWCNTs-MCP provides a good protection for pearl gentian grouper against nervous necrosis virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Retrovirus has been speculated as one of the potential infectious agents involved in the development of schizophrenia. Here we used nested RT-PCR to detect the RNA of HERV pol gene in blood from schizophrenic patients and normal human. We found retroviral pol genes expressed in blood from 20 of 58 (34.5%) individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia, but not from 38 normal persons (p <0.01). Sequence analysis revealed that the expressed gene was homologous to those of the human endogenous retroviral (HERV) family. The ERV9 family was the closest, with 90% homology in the gene sequence. In addition, Western blots showed that antibody against ERV9 pol protein in serum from the HERV+ schizophrenia patients, but not from control (p <0.01). Our data suggested that the transcriptional activation of certain retroviral elements might be associated with the development of schizophrenia in some patients. Further characterization of retroviral elements in subjects with schizophrenia may aid in better diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of 2-aminochromene derivatives include 2-aminobenzo-[h]chromene and naphtha[1,2-b;6,5-b′]dipyrans derivatives were synthesized from arylaldehyde, malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate with 1-naphthol or 1,5-naphthalenediol in refluxing ethyl alcohol catalyzed by KF-Al2O3. The structure of the products was confirmed by X-ray analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeS is successfully employed as an efficient catalyst for the direct C-arylation of quinones, pyridines and related N-heterocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study produces Ni–SiC composite coatings by electrodeposition with A356 aluminum alloy as the substrate. The concentration of SiC particles in the plating bath and the current density are varied to produce composite coatings with particle concentrations from 2.5 to 12.3 vol%, and hardness from 439 to 538 HV. Dry friction and lubrication friction experiments use a ball-on-disk to determine the frictional behavior of the Ni–SiC composite coatings. The coefficient of friction and wear resistance of a Ni–SiC composite coating is determined for different load and lubrication environments. The results show that in a dry friction environment, a composite coating with a SiC particle content of 8.0–10.0 vol% and a hardness of 500–540HV has a lower coefficient of friction and abrasion rate due to the high hardness and elastic modulus ratio (H/E). In a lubricating environment, load resistance is 150 N if the coating contains 8.0–10.0 vol% particles. When the load is increased to 200 N, a large number of SiC particles are removed due to friction so the Ni-12.3 vol%SiC many oil storage pores are created in the composite coating. This hydraulic lubrication produces a coating with better wear performance. • Successfully electrodeposited Ni–SiC composite coatings on A356 aluminum alloy. • 5 μm SiC particles can be co-deposited in the composite coating, uniformly dispersed without agglomeration. • As the H/E value increases, the friction coefficient decreases, and the coating wear resistance becomes better. • The content of SiC particles is 8–10 vol%, which will have the best wear resistance. • In the lubrication and friction environment, Ni–SiC composite coatings can withstand load of 200 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases of viral origin cause major aquatic production losses in different parts of the world. There are lots of limited therapeutic effects for large amounts of antiviral drugs because of several impenetrable barriers (cell, skin, and gastrointestinal tract). In this study, we selected moroxydine hydrochloride (Mor) for the treatment of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) and choose single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as drug carrier by immersion bath on mandarin fish infected with ISKNV. The results showed that increasing Mor intake was observed by SWCNTs carrier and therapeutic dosage to kill ISKNV is significantly reduced. After 4 h treatment, the concentration of Mor was 103.48 μg/g in 40 mg/L Mor group, and 182.35 μg/g in 40 mg/L Mor-SWCNTs groups. Comparing with the same dosage in Mor group, the detention time of Mor was extended more than 48 h in Mor-SWCNTs group. After 11 d treatment, cumulative mortality was 11.51% and infection rate was 3.81% in 40 mg/L Mor-SWCNTs group. In the same dosage of Mor group, cumulative mortality was 43.34% and infection rate was 22.67%. Moreover, enzyme activities, complement (C3) content and immune-related genes expression were significantly increased in Mor and Mor-SWCNTs groups than control group, herein all these mentioned activities reached the highest level at 3 days post-treatment. Our results indicated that drug delivery with functionalized SWCNTs can improve the antiviral effect on mandarin fish and has a potential application value to control fish viral diseases in aquaculture. • Our study indicated that Mor delivery with functionalized SWCNTs can improve the antiviral effect on mandarin fish. • Comparing with the same dosage in Mor group, the detention time of Mor was extended more than 48 h in Mor-SWCNTs group. • Our study showed that Mor-SWCNTs can be a plausible candidate for preventing and controlling ISKNV in farmed mandarin fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]